Haney on Prograis: ‘I’m far above him’

At age 24, undisputed 135-pound champion Devin Haney has never shied away from tough fights. In his last five bouts, he’s fought Vasyl Lomachenko, George Kambosos(2X), Jo Jo Diaz, and Jorge Linares.

After conquering the 135-pound division, Haney(30-0, 15 KOs) is looking to take over the 140-pound division when he battles WBC 140-pound champion Regis Prograis(29-1, 24 KOs) at Chase Center in San Francisco (DAZN PPV).

Haney, who grew up in Oakland, CA, believes he is on a different level than Prograis and plans to show that on December 9.

“I’m going to beat the s*** out of him,” Haney said at a press conference on Tuesday. “I’m thankful to be in this position, and it’s a dream come true. This is a huge fight for boxing and it’s a big opportunity for me because I have always dreamed of becoming a two-weight division World champion. I’m happy that I can hold on to my titles but also happy that I can challenge Regis, who is the best at 140. But I will show that I’m on a different level and that I am the best. I’m excited for it, and I think the fight is going to fireworks. I’m far above him.”

Prograis believes his skills will pay the bills against Haney.

“I don’t want to say too much but I think he’s going to be surprised at my skill,” he said. “I’ve been working my ass off. I’ve been in LA training and sparring and in Texas doing the same s*** for a long time. It’s not going to be no ’skill versus power.’ It’s going to be ’skill versus skill, and then I still have power, too.”

In his last fight, Prograis struggled in his win over Danielito Zorilla in June, which might be why Haney is eager to fight him. However, according to Haney, he’s wanted to fight Prograis for some time.

“If you look at the receipts, I called you [Regis Prograis] out before the [Danielito Zorilla] fight,” Haney said. “This was the fight I always wanted at 140 if I couldn’t get one of the massive fights at 135, and so Regis Prograis was the guy who was next in line. Whether he was to look good or not, it didn’t matter to me. It’s the first fight at Chase Center and the fight big fight here in the Bay Area for some time. I’m just happy to be that guy because I always said I was going to come back here and bring big-time boxing back here.”

On the undercard of Haney-Prograis, Liam Paro and Montana Love will clash for the WBO Global Jr. Welterweight title, Cuban star Andy Cruz returns against Hector Tanajara, and Ebanie Bridges defends her IBF World Bantamweight title against fellow Australian Avril Mathie.